Braves Injury Update: Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy Take Key Steps Toward Return

The Atlanta Braves are navigating the early part of the 2026 season without two of their most important players, but there is growing optimism as both Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy make steady progress in their recoveries.

With injuries already testing Atlanta’s depth, the organization has now outlined a clear plan for how both All-Stars will work their way back to game action.

Spencer Strider: Gradual Build-Up on the Road

Strider, who is dealing with an oblique strain, will travel with the team as he continues his rehab process. Rather than rushing him back into game situations, the Braves are taking a controlled approach.

Current Plan:

• Continue throwing bullpen sessions during road trips
• Build strength and rhythm without game pressure
• Progressively increase workload

Strider’s timeline remains flexible, but the focus is clearly on long-term health over short-term urgency.

This cautious strategy makes sense given his recent injury history. The right-hander has missed significant time over the past two seasons, including a serious UCL issue in 2024 that required a brace procedure. He also dealt with a hamstring injury last year, limiting his consistency.

Despite those setbacks, Strider still managed:

• 131 strikeouts in 121.1 innings
• A reminder of his elite swing-and-miss ability when healthy

The Braves understand that rushing him back could risk another setback—something they simply cannot afford.

Sean Murphy: Closer to Game Action

While Strider continues his buildup, Murphy appears to be slightly ahead in the recovery process.

The All-Star catcher, recovering from hip surgery, is set to:

• Participate in a simulated game
• Work with Rome Braves
• Prepare for a potential rehab assignment

Why This Matters:

Sim games allow Murphy to:

• Regain timing at the plate
• Handle defensive reps behind the plate
• Ease back into game intensity in a controlled environment

Encouragingly, Murphy has already:

• Resumed full baseball activities
• Participated in baserunning drills
• Taken batting practice
• Worked in full catcher’s gear

All signs point toward a return that could come earlier than originally expected.

Timeline Update: Late April Now in Play

Initially projected to return in May, Murphy’s recovery appears ahead of schedule.

Manager Walt Weiss indicated that:

• An early April rehab assignment is still realistic
• A late April return to the major league roster is now possible

That would be a significant boost for the Braves, especially given Murphy’s offensive impact when healthy.

Before his injury last season, he showed:

• Strong power production
• Middle-of-the-order potential

However, his performance declined as he attempted to play through injury—something the team is clearly trying to avoid this time.

Balancing Urgency and Health

The Braves are in a delicate position.

On one hand:

• Injuries have already impacted the roster
• The team needs reinforcements to stay competitive

On the other:

• Both Strider and Murphy are core long-term pieces
• Rushing either player could have lasting consequences

This is why Atlanta’s current approach emphasizes:

• Controlled progression
• Gradual workload increases
• Flexibility in timelines

Impact on the Current Roster

In the meantime, players like Bryce Elder will need to step up as the Braves manage without their stars.

The team’s ability to stay afloat during this stretch could ultimately determine how aggressive they need to be with Strider and Murphy’s returns.

Final Thoughts

The Atlanta Braves are starting to see light at the end of the tunnel.

Spencer Strider is steadily rebuilding his arm strength.
Sean Murphy is nearing game action.

While neither return is immediate, both are progressing in the right direction—and that’s exactly what Atlanta needs right now.

If all goes according to plan, the Braves could soon welcome back two difference-makers who have the potential to reshape both their rotation and lineup.

And in a season already testing their depth, that reinforcement can’t come soon enough.